2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Supercar Reviews

2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Supercar Reviews

The fastest and strongest Corvette ever designed!

Chevrolet took four years to revise the ZR1 range-topping, but the wait is definitely worth it. This new supercharged coupe surpasses all the rumors we’ve gone through so far with a significantly revised exterior, racing-inspired rear wing, and a supercharged V-8 engine designed on a clean sheet. After years of speculation, dozens of disguised test cars, and rumors that GM is also working on a mid-engined Corvette, the ZR1 is here to prove that Chevrolet has not given up on its fantastic traditions and that the ZR1 legend will live for several more years. And, for the first time since the Corvette was introduced more than five decades ago, it is safe to say that Chevrolet ultimately has a competitor for top class supercars out there. Keep reading to find out why.

As expected since we saw the first prototype, ZR1 arrived with a ton of new features compared to Z06, including major changes in the aerodynamics department.

Up front, the headlamps and the nose are the only features that remind the Corvette C7. The bumper was redesigned on a clean sheet. The broad intake seen on the other Corvette is gone, replaced by a three-piece layout with a narrow opening in the middle and two large intakes to the side. A honeycomb-like net completes all three, but the hole is larger than usual, which provides a threatening position. The divider is larger than the similar unit seen on the previous Corvette and puts even of the race C7.R-spec to shame.

The hood is also new, and the middle part is very high. Designed in this way to make way for the larger supercharger, it has the opening of a special “halo” carbon fiber. As we move to the side, when we can see the new vertical fin on the side divider, redesigned vents on the front fenders, and the more aggressive side skirts. In the back, everything looks the same under the declid. ZR1 stores the same four-pipe layout, mounted in the center and the same diffuser, with only the “ZR1” badge that sets it apart from Z06. However, there is a new wing to talk about. Actually, there are two because Chevrolet offers two aero tunnel designed wind tunnel.

The first is a standard low wing, which delivers top speed and helps generate downforce up to 70 percent more than Z06. Although low, the wings are wide enough and make the ZR1 look like a full race car. Things get more aggressive with the optional High Wing package. Replacing the low wings with a much higher new design unit, this bundle provides approximately 950 pounds of downforce. This package essentially offers maximum downforce on the track for the fastest lap time – Chevy says it comes with about 60 percent more downforce than the Z06 with the Z07 Performance Pack available.

Both wings are tied into the chassis, as in the Corvette Racing C7.R racing car, to increase strength and stability. Both ZR1 models also feature a front underwing that reduces pressure.

Along with these performance packages, Chevy also launched Orange Sebring Package with ZR1. This bundle adds new design features inside and out, including the Sebring Orange Tintcoat exterior color and orange brake calipers as well as rocker panels and accent splitter lines.

All told, the ZR1 is not only the cruelest Corvette ever made, but also the most aggressive vehicle that wears the Chevrolet badge.

The increase is not radical in the cabin, but this is far from surprising. The Z06 gets lightweight updates from the standard model, so I’m not surprised to see that the ZR1 package has not changed much in the cab. But you will see that this is not Z06 as soon as you open the door.

The first thing that attracts attention is the carbon fiber inserts on the steering wheel. The seats are also wrapped with leather as standard, while the Alcantara inserts warn that ‘Vette is made for quick lap times. Optionally, you can go with the Sports Competition chair, which is wrapped in Nappa leather and has heating and ventilation. Chevy also offers Performance Data Recorder that allows you to record your experience on the track, and Bose premium audio system.

When equipped with the Sebring Orange Package, the ZR1 gets an orange safety belt and contrasting stitching and aluminum bronze trim. The latter seen on the steering wheel, center console, middle pile, door panels, and chairs. Of course, the ZR1 also comes with lots of carbon fiber, especially in the middle of the stack and the driver’s side dashboard.

Upgrading a decent drivetrain to an aggressive and inspired exterior of the race. The powerful LT4 engine in the Z06 is being replaced by a stronger V-8 unit. Called LT5, perhaps a setback to the V-8 engine in C4-generation ZR1, the new V-8 is also supercharged, but the blower is 52 percent larger than in Z06. The combo also uses GM’s first double fuel injection, which uses direct direct injection and additional port injection. This not only helps LT5 achieve great output, but also keeps fuel consumption relatively low to 23 mpg highway and up to 15 mpg city.

Speaking of performance, the 6.2-liter V-8 crank out a whopping 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque. It’s 105 horses and 65 pound feet over Z06 and 300 horsepower and 255 pound-feet more than the standard Corvette. It should be noted that the ZR1 is the most powerful Chevrolet ever made. Impressive!

Info on how long the ZR1 reaches 60 mph is not yet available, but it should be significantly faster than the already stupid Corvette Z06, which reaches the benchmark in 2.95 seconds. Given the extra austerity and revised aerodynamics, I would say that ZR1 can reach 60 mph in 2.8 seconds or less. The highest speed is rated “more than 210 mph,” at least 25 mph more than the Corvette Z06! It’s also just seven mph less than the Ferrari supercar and the upscale Lamborghini.

Two transmissions are available, which is the first for ZR1. Previously available only with manual transmission, the new ZR1 can be owned with eight-speed automatic with paddle shifter. The manual box is the latest seven speed Chevrolet. Of course, both gearboxes have been optimized for the ZR1 drivetrain.

Refrigeration is also enhanced, with four new radiators added to increase the amount of heat exchangers to 13. The Wing Package High adds Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 summer tires and special chassis and Magnetic Ride Control for larger cornering grip.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Price

As the fastest and most powerful Corvette C7 generation, the ZR1 also became the most expensive, retailing of $ 119.995. Stickers include destination costs, but exclude taxes, titles, and dealer fees. The ZTK Performance Package, which includes the High Wing, costs $ 2,995, which means that the high-wing ZR1 retail starts at $ 122,990. But even though the price is much more expensive than the Z06, which is sold from $ 79,495 per December 2017, the price is quite affordable compared to vehicles that deliver similar performance.